Newton-Conover Clips Croatan For State Title

NEWPORT-- Newton-Conover nipped perennial power Croatan 31-30 on Saturday night to capture the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 2-A dual team wrestling championship at Croatan High School.

Franklin Wepner, the 132-pounder for the victorious Red Devils who won his match by a pin, was named the MVP of the championship match.

Colin Minor's victory by a forfeit in the final match of the night at 182 proved to be the difference. Andrew Colburn of Croatan won by adecision by a 9-2 count over Austin Minor at 170, just one point short of a major decision that could have changed the outcome.

Jarren Pitts at 220 pounds and Jonte Parker at 126 also won via pins for the Red Devils. Kyle Colburn (195) and Ben Skiba (106) werethe Croatan winners on pins.

Newton-Conover finished the dual campaign with a 43-5 dual match record. The Red Devils had beaten defending state champion Piedmont on Thursday night in the state semifinals to advance to the championship match, which was Newton-Conover’s fourth title match appearance. The Red Devils were state dual team runners-up three straight years in 2007-09.

Croatan made its fourth straight finals appearance and won state crowns in 2010 and’11 before finishing as runner-up to Piedmontlast year. The Cougars were 31-5 in dual team action.

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